10 Cheapest Online Master's Degrees in Pennsylvania 2025

For those looking to boost their careers with a graduate degree, Pennsylvania offers numerous universities with quality, affordable online master's programs. Whether in fields like education, business, healthcare, or cybersecurity, these programs combine flexibility and strong academic resources to help you achieve success. To begin your learning journey, explore our guide to the cheapest online master's degree programs.

10 Most Affordable Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is home to a range of cheap online master's degrees across its public universities and colleges. Below are some of the state's most cost-effective options for graduate students seeking flexible learning opportunities and high-paying master's degrees.

1. East Stroudsburg University

East Stroudsburg University, located in northeastern Pennsylvania, is a comprehensive institution that offers 49 undergraduate programs, 20 master's programs, and two doctoral programs. While many degree offerings are on-campus, graduate students have online and hybrid options.

Online education concentrations at East Stroudsburg University include a Master of Education (MEd), professional and digital media writing, communication, elementary education, health education, and reading.

• Average cost per credit hour: $599
• Financial aid: Students at East Stroudsburg University can access a range of financial aid options, including grants, loans, scholarships, student employment, tuition deferment, and monthly payment plans.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. West Chester University

West Chester University provides more than 180 diverse academic opportunities, including master's programs in business administration, exercise and sport science, early childhood and special education, public administration, community nutrition, and human resource management.

Students enjoy a vibrant campus life with over 300 clubs and organizations that foster connection, leadership, and personal growth. The university also offers a welcoming campus atmosphere with easy access to major cities like Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington, DC.

• Average cost per credit hour: $516
• Financial aid: West Chester University students are offered financial aid through loans, grants, merit-based and need-based scholarships, and work-study programs.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

3. Pennsylvania Western University

Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) offers flexible, career-focused graduate programs designed for busy adults with jobs, family, and personal commitments. With its California, Clarion, and Edinboro campuses, PennWest provides a wide range of academic resources, personalized support, and hands-on learning opportunities.

With courses offered on campus, in hybrid formats, or fully online, students can pursue a bachelor's or master's in nursing and other specializations like counseling, social work, library science, business, and more.

• Average cost per credit hour: $516
• Financial aid: Students can access financial aid through a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

4. Shippensburg University

Shippensburg University offers flexible, fully online degree programs designed for students with time and travel constraints. With expert faculty and no required in-person classes, students can complete their online learning from anywhere.

Programs include advanced degrees in fields such as supply chain analytics, strategic communication, special education, social work, criminal justice, and public administration, allowing learners to further their careers on their own schedules.

• Average cost per credit hour: $516
• Financial aid: Shippensburg University offers financial aid through scholarships, grants, loans via FAFSA, work-study programs, and veterans' benefits to help students fund their education.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

5. The Pennsylvania State University (PennState)

Penn State's World Campus is an online school offering a robust learning experience with over 200 programs, including 45+ undergraduate and 60+ graduate degrees. Backed by more than 125 years of distance education expertise, the platform allows students to earn a respected Penn State degree entirely online.

Many bachelor's degrees feature stackable credentials that seamlessly lead to master's degrees in fields like cybersecurity, healthcare, data science, educational leadership, information systems, project management, and more.

• Average cost per credit hour: $1,037
• Financial aid: Penn State offers financial aid via FAFSA, scholarships, military benefits, and flexible payment options to help students manage tuition and education costs.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

6. Duquesne University

Alongside certificate programs and doctoral degrees, Duquesne University offers 15 online master's programs in diverse fields such as analytics, information management, music therapy, and forensic nursing, with options for fully online or hybrid learning. Most programs include capstone research, where students present at the graduate research symposium alongside faculty and peers.

Online students also benefit from personalized support services, such as one-on-one tutoring and career guidance through the Center for Career Development, including help with job searches and graduate assistantships.

• Average cost per credit hour: $1,186
• Financial aid: Students at Duquesne University can use grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study opportunities to pay for their online education program.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

7. Gratz College

Gratz College offers flexible, fully online degrees and certificates at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, with courses tailored for working professionals. Taught by globally recognized faculty, coursework is run in accelerated eight-week sessions year-round so enrollees can study on their own schedules.

Graduate offerings include master's degrees in education, nonprofit management, interfaith leadership, special education, teaching practice, Jewish studies, and more ?all focused on advancing careers through rigorous, accessible academic programs.

• Average cost per credit hour: $465 to $698
• Financial aid: Gratz College provides funding opportunities through institutional scholarships and fellowships supported by donor endowments, as well as federal aid available through FAFSA.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

8. Cairn University

Cairn University offers more than 30 fully online, Christ-centered degree programs at the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels. It combines professional preparation with a strong biblical worldview. Designed for flexibility, these programs can be completed from anywhere ?whether at home, on a military base, or in the mission field.

Master's degrees are offered in data analytics, education, business administration, nonprofit management, religion, special education, and more.

• Average cost per credit hour: $300 to $725
• Financial aid: Scholarships, loans, and grants are available to students at Cairn University.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

9. Albright College

Albright College emphasizes learning beyond the traditional classroom through its Experiential Learning and Career Development Center. Students gain access to internships, research, creative projects, and study-abroad opportunities. With small class sizes and fully online, seven-and-a-half-week courses, Albright supports personalized, career-focused learning. Programs include specializations in applied psychology, business administration, and general education.

• Average cost per credit hour: $325 to $525
• Financial aid: Albright College offers students access to various financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, and loans.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

10. Millersville University

Millersville University offers over 100 degrees, certificates, and courses online, with which students can earn their credentials from anywhere in the world. Its diverse range of online master's programs include degrees in English, early childhood education, gifted education, language and literacy, ACTE online teaching, ACTE STEM education, emergency management, nursing, and social work.

Known for its exceptional online learning experience, Millersville boasts highly qualified faculty, comprehensive student services, and cutting-edge technology.

• Average cost per credit hour: $516
• Financial aid: Millersville University offers a range of financial aid options, including federal aid through FAFSA, scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, and graduate assistantships to support students in funding their education.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

How We Rank Schools

To ensure we listed high-quality programs, the schools were selected based on the following criteria:

• Accreditation: All schools are institutionally accredited by recognized accrediting agencies.
• Affordability: Programs were selected based on tuition costs, with additional consideration for generous financial aid options.
• Program reputation: Schools were evaluated for program quality, student satisfaction, and graduation outcomes.

FAQs About Cheap Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania

Here are some common questions about online master's programs in Pennsylvania, offering insights into costs, financial aid, program length, and more to help you make informed decisions about your graduate degree.

How Much Does an Online Master's Degree Cost in Pennsylvania?

The cost of an online master's degree in Pennsylvania varies, but it typically ranges from $300 to $1,200 per credit hour. Programs like those at Millersville University and West Chester University are on the more affordable end, making education accessible to a wide range of students.

Is There Financial Aid for Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania?

Yes, many schools in Pennsylvania offer financial aid for online master's programs, including federal aid through FAFSA, scholarships, grants, and work-study options. Applying for these funding opportunities can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for tuition costs and other fees.

Are Online Master's Degrees Cheaper Than In-Person Programs?

Online master's degrees in Pennsylvania are often more affordable than traditional in-person programs, as they eliminate additional costs such as commuting, housing, and some campus fees. Many schools also offer flexible payment plans and financial aid options that make online education even more cost-effective.

How Long Does an Online Master's Program Take?

Online master's programs in Pennsylvania typically take between one and three years to complete, depending on the specific program, whether you attend full-time or part-time, and whether you're enrolled in accelerated formats like those offered by Albright College or Millersville University.

Find an Online Master's Degree

Explore affordable online master's programs in Pennsylvania and elsewhere on Learn.org. We've done the research for you, so you can find the right program for your career goals and reach out to schools for more details.